Yippee for UFE

UFE Community Project Launch at Canon George Hall Hollinwood ... with knife are L to R Alexandra Walker, Jenson Cummingham

CELEBRATIONS went with a bang in Hollinwood as youngsters cheered the expansion of a successful youth club.

Tasty bonfire cooking sessions saw a raft of children flock to the Canon George Hall.

Themed arts and crafts sessions saw the youngsters track the history of the infamous Guy Fawkes as well as learn important safety messages about the dangers of fireworks.

It was a fitting, action-packed start to a new era for the youth club, dubbed UFE by the children.

Originally started by parish priest David Hawthorn as a monthly event, numbers swelled to over 50 youngsters a session and finding volunteer helpers was a struggle.

Now, Oldham Play Action Group and Oldham Council, along with St Margaret’s Church have joined forces to form fortnightly junior youth club.

They put in a successful bid to the First Choice Homes Oldham Respect Our Community Awards (ROCA) and were handed over £2,500 to enable the scheme to expand.

Parish administrator Amanda Carr said: “We were struggling but this extra help is so fantastic.

“The response the club has got from local children has been great and there is a great mix of youngsters that regularly meet up who probably wouldn’t congregate otherwise.

“They decide what they want to do and really the group has grown on its own.”

The youth club is for children aged eight to 13, with sports, arts and crafts, cooking and access to computer equipment on offer every second Friday from 6-8pm.

For more information or to enquire about becoming a volunteer at the club contact the Canon George Hall on 0161-682-5106.